Phuket: No arrests for work permit delays caused by protests

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No arrests for work permit delays caused by protests
Phuket Gazette


PPEO chief Yaowapa Pibulpol says that no arrests are to be made for those unable to renew their work permits due to the protests. Photo: Gazette file

PHUKET: -- The Phuket Provincial Employment Office (PPEO), responsible for issuing work permits to foreigners on the island, remains closed today, but those with work permits set to expire or in process need not fear arrest, PPEO chief Yaowapa Pibulpol told the Phuket Gazette this morning.

“At this stage we are not sure when we can re-open the office, but all authorities involved in enforcing work permit regulations have been told not to arrest any foreigners whose permits expire while our office is closed due to the protests,” Ms Yaowapa assured.

Anti-government protesters brought about the closure of the office on Monday afternoon.

“We closed Monday afternoon when protesters arrived at our building. This will delay the issuance of some work permits,” Ms Yaowapa said.

Some applications that require the governor’s approval have already been signed by Governor Maitri Inthusut, but with the office closed, PPEO staff have no way of returning the documents to applicants, she explained.

Ms Yaowapa urged applicants to call her office daily at 076-219 660 to determine whether is has re-opened.

“Once we re-open, do not delay in filing your application to renew your work permit,” she said.

Source: http://www.phuketgazette.net/phuket_news/2013/No-arrests-for-work-permit-delays-caused-by-protests-22948.html


-- Phuket Gazette 2013-12-04

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No work permits as protesters close Phuket Employment Office
Prapaporn Jitmaneeyaphan


The Phuket Provincial Employment Office

PHUKET: -- The unemployed looking for jobs in Thailand or abroad, foreigners wanting new work permits or renewals, employers looking for staff and employees with job-related problems are all going to have to wait indefinitely after the Phuket Provincial Employment Office (PEO) closed yesterday (December 3).

PEO Chief Yaowapa Piboonpol told The Phuket News today, “The office has been closed since yesterday because the [anti-government] protesters requested us to do so.

“I don’t know how many days it will be before we reopen; we have to look at the situation day by day.

Inevitably, she said, there had already been effects from the closure, with the unemployed being unable to learn about jobs and foreigners unable to process work permits.

Anyone whose work permit expires during the closure will not be penalised but should keep an eye on the news and apply as soon as the PEO reopens.

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/no-work-permits-as-protesters-close-phuket-employment-office-43241.php


-- Phuket News 2013-12-04

[DGIE]

I don’t know how many days it will be before we reopen; we have to look at the situation day by day.

So PEO just closed yesterday. That means that they closed not because they heed to Suthep's wants to close all government ministries. But why is it that they will not sure to open on Friday or Monday?

My work permit has not expired anyway.